church, world and the christian life

I finished reading the final HP novel last week. There was much I enjoyed. My favourite chapter was The Prince's Tale, because the journey and story of that particular character has been the one that always interested me the most. Ben Myers is asking people to discuss the theology of JK. The HP story has been great and although Rowling perhaps does not write as well as Tolkien or Pullman, there is I think within the stories as much to explore with regards to theology, philosophy and ethics. The final novel was a good way to end the series. It was more than simply an unravelling of the many threads, it also had a story in itself - again the backstory (the history behind the death hallows and the story of Dumbledore) fascinated me. It is in fact the story of the past that I found most engaging in each book - the little snipets in each book. The final chapter I would have left out. It was unnecessary.

I also watched the latest HP film today. And it was pleasing to see the series getting better and better. The choice of having a different director each time has brought a freshness to the last three films and the screenwriting in this one was in the main the best so far. I thought the portrayal of Dolores Umbridge was especially well-written and well-acted. I wish that each film was followed by an extended DVD version as was the case with the LOTR films. Like in some many films you notice the editing and sometimes I wish a few more scenes were allowed to breathe. I think this is the shortest running time in the HP films so far. The final explanation scene between Harry and Dumbledore could have done with being longer, as could the scenes between Harry and Snape, especially the one where Harry sees Snape's memories.

Comments

Andy, thanks for the post on HP. We've been exploring the final book over at thelandofunlikeness.com as well. I'd agree than in many ways Rowling is a much different, and at times lesser, author than Tolkien, especially in her macro-cosmic outlook. But I'd respectfully disagree with the judgment in comparison to Pullman. Putting Rowling's christological weaving (which I think she did brilliantly) aside, her ability to craft a coherent, readable, and completely inhabitable work is masterful, imho.
Thanks for the continued great posts. I've enjoyed your stuff.
Best,